Obesity is a growing epidemic in Morocco, with rates climbing alarmingly each year. A recent report by the World Obesity Atlas reveals that by 2025, 59% of Moroccan adults will have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 kg/m ², classifying them as overweight or obese.
Released on World Obesity Day (March 4th), the report highlights the serious public health challenge Morocco faces. Currently, a significant 59% of adults live with a BMI exceeding 25 kg/m ².
Obesity is a major risk factor for several non-communicable diseases. In 2021, Morocco recorded 16,524 premature deaths linked to conditions associated with a high BMI, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Moreover, 366,828 years of life were affected by chronic diseases resulting from being overweight and obese.
Projections for 2030 paint an even grimmer picture, with 24% of Moroccan adults expected to be classified as obese. The report estimates that 16.86 million adults will be living with a high BMI, disproportionately affecting women, with 9.94 million overweight women compared to 6.91 million overweight men.
The report also points out that despite the scale of the problem, Morocco still lacks specific national guidelines for managing obesity or physical inactivity. Physical inactivity remains a public health concern, with 20 to 30% of Moroccan adults not engaging in sufficient physical activity.
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